The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read-Aberdeen celebrates the many facets of living in the rural Midwest and has chosen the book, “Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth,” by Sarah Smarsh.  Area residents are encouraged to read “Heartland” and attend the many events hosted by K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library and partnering organizations leading up to Sarah Smarsh’s visit in April 2023. Big Read-Aberdeen events will occur between October 2023 and June 2024. New events added throughout the year.

Kick-Off Event-Starr Chief Eagle Hoop Dance-Thursday, October 12th, at 6:30 PM. The NEA Big Read-Aberdeen kicks-off at the K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library with a Hoop Dance performance and storytelling. This event is fun for the entire family. Free copies of the Big Read-Aberdeen book, “Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth,” by Sarah Smarsh will be given out at this event.

The Big Read-Aberdeen is funded by a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, South Dakota Arts Council through Arts Midwest, Aberdeen Area Community Foundation, and the Aberdeen Library Foundation and brought to you by the K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library in partnership with the Aberdeen Area Arts Council, Natural Abundance Food Co-Op, Dacotah Prairie Museum, and Prairie Partners Master Gardeners.

An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the power of a shared reading experience.

Reading Guide